Short answer
IELTS strategy means knowing the format and managing your time in every section. The approaches that make the biggest difference are spotting the question type before you read in Reading, planning and answering every part of the question in Writing, developing your answers with reasons in Speaking, and reading the questions before the recording starts in Listening.
The core strategy for each section
- Listening: read the questions before the recording starts, and note the keywords and the type of answer you need (a number, a name, a date).
- Reading: instead of reading the whole passage, skim and scan according to the question type.
- Writing: spend a few minutes planning before you write, answer every part of the question and keep to the word limit.
- Speaking: avoid short answers; develop your ideas with reasons and examples, using linking words such as 'because' and 'for example'.
Listening tips
Listening has four parts and 40 questions in about 30 minutes, and you hear each recording only once. If you miss an answer, let it go and move straight on to the next question; you can fill the gap at the end. Speakers often correct themselves, so write down the final version, not the first thing you hear. When you transfer or type your answers, check spelling, singular and plural, and the word limit.
Reading tips
Reading gives you 60 minutes for three passages and 40 questions — roughly 20 minutes a passage — so reading every word isn't an option. Skim each passage to see what each paragraph is about, then scan for the line that matches each question. Expect paraphrase: look for the meaning, not the same word. If a question is eating your time, mark it, move on and come back to it at the end.
Writing tips
Writing is 60 minutes for two tasks: at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2. Task 2 counts for more of your Writing score, so about 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 for Task 2 is usually the safest split. Work out what the question is really asking before you start, and take a clear position in Task 2. Memorised sentences that ignore the topic tend to lower your score; say what you mean in your own words.
Speaking tips
Speaking is an 11–14-minute interview in three parts. In Part 2 you get one minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes: use the minute to note a few points for each prompt on the card and give your talk a beginning, middle and end. In Part 3, back up your opinions with reasons and examples. No particular accent is required; what counts is being clear and keeping going without long pauses.
Before test day
Sit full practice tests under real timing before the exam, and step up how often you do so in the last three to four weeks, so that the length and order of the sections hold no surprises. In the final week, keep revision light: refresh your memory of the format, and rest.
Common mistakes
- Answering only part of the question in Writing
- Getting stuck on one difficult Reading question and losing time
- Making spelling and format errors when transferring Listening answers
- Using memorised phrases in Speaking that don't fit the topic
- Going into the test without sitting a single practice test